11 Best Types of Rum

Rum is a popular liquor distilled from sugar byproducts, such as molasses, honey or sugarcane juice. It has traditionally been produced in the Caribbean and South America, but more and more regions have begun to make their own signature styles as the spirit has gained worldwide popularity. Let’s take a look at the many different types of rum!

Types of Rum

Rhum Agricole

Rhum Agricole, also known as cane juice rum, is a type of rum from the French Caribbean that is made with fresh sugar cane juice instead of molasses.

Cachaça

Cachaça is a spirit similar to rum made in Brazil and Portugal. It is also distilled from fermentedsugarcane juice.

Rum, when taken in moderation, can improve heart health. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

White Rum

White or clear rum also referred to as light rum, is a very mild, sweet rum with little flavor. It is most commonly made in Puerto Rico and is extremely popular for mixing cocktails.

Gold Rum

Gold or pale rum is an amber-colored rum that has been aged in white oak barrels, imparting its signature color. It is stronger tasting than white rum and can be sipped straight.

Dark Rum

Dark rum, or black rum, is made from molasses or caramel and is aged longer than both white and gold rum. It has a much stronger, spiced flavor, and is particularly popular in Jamaica and Haiti for cooking.

Navy Rum

Navy rum is a high proof rum named after the British Royal Navy’s old practice of giving their sailors a portion of rum every day. Reinvented by artisanal distillers in the 70s, the Navy standard was notoriously high, and most of these rums hover around 100 proof.

Vintage Rum

Vintage rum is limited edition, small batch type of rum that is valued for its date of creation, much like collectible cognacs or wines.

Overproof Rum

Overproof rum has a much higher ABV than standard rum, as high as 80%. Bacardi 151 is a popular example of this style. This potent variety is usually only used for cocktails.

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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